Apple is hoping to offer impressive sound with the HomePod, courtesy of seven tweeters and a 4-inch woofer

"But we need a little more time before it's ready for our customers."

Apple added that it would "start shipping in the US, UK and Australia in early 2018", but failed to give a specific date.

The Sun spoke to GBH Insights' Daniel Ives, who helped explain the missed launch: "We believe technical and production hiccups are the reason for the delay, as Apple needed to iron out the issues before HomePod hit the market."

"The delay was disappointing as the window of opportunity around the holiday season came and went with Echo being the star of the show."

In new statement from Apple reads: "HomePod, the innovative wireless speaker from Apple, arrives in stores beginning Friday, February 9 and is available to order online this Friday, January 26 in the US, UK and Australia."